Published
This time last year Plain English Allergen Labelling (PEAL) requirements became mandatory across Australia and New Zealand. These changes, developed under Proposal P1044, transformed how allergens are declared on food labels, making them easier to identify and understand for millions of consumers.
FSANZ approved the new requirements in 2021 after extensive consultation and evidence gathering. The goal was to clearly declare allergens using simple, consistent terms in a standardised format. Businesses had three years to transition and since 25 February 2024, food labels have had to comply with the PEAL requirements.
Thousands of products now feature clearer allergen declarations, helping consumers make safer choices. Examples of PEAL requirements include:
- Using ‘Milk’ instead of technical terms like ‘casein’ or ‘whey’
- Identifying individual tree nuts, such as ‘contains almonds’
- Using ‘Wheat’ instead of less familiar terms like ‘semolina’.
FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the introduction of PEAL is an example of the bi-national food regulation system in action.
“This change is helping people with food allergies make safer choices and demonstrates how the food regulation system supports consumers make informed decisions, building trust in the food supply,” Dr Cuthbert said.
As we mark this milestone, FSANZ continues to work with industry, enforcement agencies and consumers to monitor the impact of the new requirements. Early feedback suggests the new system is achieving its primary goal: making it easier for people with food allergies to make safe food choices.